CHICO — As flags fluttered and raindrops splashed down at Chico Cemetery, area veterans, families and the community paused in their Memorial Day activities to remember what exactly this day means.

“This is a day of remembrance of those who are not here so we can be here today,” said Butte County Supervisor and retired World War II Navy Commander Larry Wahl.

Wahl purposefully thanked those who brought children to the event, saying it gives them an idea of the day”s significance.

He also encouraged those with children who didn”t attend to talk about why Memorial Day is so important.

National Guard Specialist Jennafer Moody, among the last to lay a wreath at the designated Civil War veteran statue, said she realized the risk when she signed up two years ago.

“We need to make sure everyone has freedom,” she said, adding, “so that my family can grow.” Her two boys, 3 and 11 years, and husband joined her after the ceremony.

Presenting the colors, Boy Scouts from Chico Troop 2 also escorted members of various veterans groups as they placed wreaths at the statue.

Vietnam veteran Bob Klump watched the activities, telling a reporter, “It does my heart good” to see such a service. “Vietnam vets are not thought about a lot.”

Klump remembered his time in Vietnam as an Army soldier as “being on the verge of panic 24 hours a day every day, and all you can do is try to cope.”

Asked if there was a message to the community, he said, “Support your troops. They allow you the right to do this, and allow you to worship God in any way you want to.”

In reading “What is a Veteran,” by Marine Corps Father Denis O”Brien, World War II veteran Floyd Morrill reminded, “So remember, each time you see someone who has served our country, just lean over and say ”thank you”. That”s all most people need, and in most cases it will mean more than any medals they could have been awarded or were awarded.”

Musical performances by Chico Community Band and solos by Marion Compton lightened the somber mood of the memorial, while emphasizing the different ways that respect and honor can be delivered.

The light rain and wind failed to weigh down the hundreds of flags that fluttered throughout the cemetery, including about 350 very large ones in the veterans section.